Kano State Police Command has explained the reason why Residence of the 15th Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, in the Nasarawa area of the state has remained sealed a day after growing tension enveloped the state.
On the morning of Wednesday,26 February, 2025 residents of Kano woke up to a heavy deployment of security personnel along the road leading to the Kano Government House, near the residence of Aminu Ado Bayero.
Security forces also blocked all routes leading to the Nasarawa Emir’s residence without prior notice to the public, causing severe traffic congestion in Kano, particularly around Nasarawa, few meters away from the Kano Government House.
A statement from the Kano State Police Command indicated that the deployment was based on intelligence reports suggesting that some individuals were planning to unleash mayhem in Kano State, The statement further confirmed the arrest of 17 suspects.
“Following credible intelligence reports of a planned violent protest by some individuals, the Command, in collaboration with other security agencies, has deployed personnel and assets to strategic locations within Kano Metropolis to prevent the protest and ensure public safety.”
“We urge the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to security agencies. The Command appreciates the cooperation and support of the good people of Kano State in our efforts to maintain peace and order,” the statement added.
However, as early as on the night Tuesday, 25 February, 2025videos circulated on social media alleging that members of the Kwankwasiyya movement—supporters of former Kano Governor Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso—were planning a protest against President Bola Tinubu’s interference in Kano State affairs, particularly the ongoing dispute over the Kano Emirate.
The videos claimed that the protesters planned to march to the Kano Government House via the Nasarawa Emir’s residence.
One Facebook user, Junaidu Aminu Kilishi, posted a 1-minute, 46-second video calling on supporters of the 15th Emir to protect him from the alleged threats.
“There is a major disaster being planned by these Kwankwasiyya members. They are planning violence under the guise of a protest. Tomorrow, if God allows, they will remove their red caps and pretend to be ordinary citizens. They will march through Nasarawa Gate to the Government House, chanting insults against the President, accusing him of destabilizing Kano and backing Emir Aminu Ado Bayero.”
As of the time of this report, there has been no response from the Kwankwasiyya movement or the Kano State Government. Security personnel remain stationed along the road to the Government House, though they have reopened one side for returning traffic while maintaining a blockade on the lane leading to the Nasarawa Emir’s residence, where Emir Aminu Ado Bayero currently resides.
The crisis over the Kano Emirate dates back to 2019 when former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje of APC divided the Kano Emirate into five separate emirates by creating four new ones—Rano, Karaye, Gaya, and Bichi.
In 2020, Ganduje dethroned the 14th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, citing allegations of financial mismanagement and political interference.
However, in 2024, after the NNPP won the Kano governorship under the leadership of Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the new government reversed Ganduje’s decision by abolishing the newly created emirates and reinstating Muhammadu Sanusi II as the Emir of Kano. Since then, a legal and political battle has ensued over the rightful occupant of the Kano Emir throne.
The 16th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, is backed by the Kano State Government, while the Federal Government—led by former Governor Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje and President Bola Tinubu—is accused of supporting the 15th Emir, Aminu Ado Bayero.
For almost a year, Kano State has had two rival Emirs coexisting within the city centre.
